High-Asset Divorce in Virginia: How To Protect Your Business, Investments, and Property
Divorce is difficult under any circumstances, but the stakes are even higher when significant assets are involved. Protecting your financial interests requires careful planning if you or your spouse owns a business, holds investment accounts, or has other high-value property.
At Schwartz Kalina, PLLC, our Virginia divorce attorney helps high-net-worth clients navigate complex property division issues. We explain what you need to know about high asset divorce in Virginia and how to protect your rights.
What Makes a Virginia Divorce a High-Asset Case?
In Virginia, all divorces involve equitable distribution of marital property. However, high-asset divorces require a deeper look into asset classification, valuation, and how to divide property acquired over time fairly.
Under the Virginia Code, both spouses are entitled to an equitable share of marital assets, rather than a 50/50 split. This means that the Virginia Court considers factors that include the amount of time they were married, each party’s income and contributions throughout their marriage, and the circumstances surrounding their divorce in determining a fair arrangement.
Common types of property subject to equitable division in a Virginia high-asset divorce may include:
- Privately owned businesses or professional practices;
- Multiple real estate holdings;
- Stock portfolios, RSUs, or other market-based investments;
- Retirement accounts, including pensions or 401(k)s;
- Offshore accounts or undisclosed income streams.
Misclassifying or undervaluing these assets can lead to an unfair settlement. Hidden assets are also common in high-asset divorce cases. Accurate financial disclosures and expert valuations are key to protecting your rights.
Legal Strategies for Protecting Wealth in Virginia Divorce
Whether you are the primary earner or a dependent spouse, you need an experienced Virginia divorce attorney to get what you are entitled to in a high-asset case. We take the legal actions necessary to preserve what you’ve built and protect your future financial security.
Steps you can take to protect yourself when filing for a high-asset divorce in the Virginia Family Court include:
- Thoroughly inventory all marital assets, including partial business ownership or mixed-property investments.
- Separate individual property, such as inheritances or pre-marital assets, and provide documentation.
- Retain forensic accountants or business appraisers for complex valuations.
- Use past tax returns and property tax searches to uncover hidden or transferred assets.
- Consider tax consequences, especially when dividing investment or retirement accounts.
In cases involving business interests, the court may consider buyouts, co-ownership arrangements, or structured payouts to preserve business operations while ensuring a fair distribution.
Dealing with High Assets? Contact Our Experienced Virginia Divorce Attorney to Protect Your Rights
High-asset divorce cases require more than a basic understanding of Virginia family law. They demand close attention to detail, financial insight, and the ability to navigate complicated negotiations.
At Schwartz Kalina, PLLC, we represent clients throughout Virginia, providing the strong, professional legal representation you need to protect your rights. To get what you are legally entitled to in a divorce settlement, call or contact us online. Schedule a confidential consultation today with our experienced Virginia divorce attorney.
Sources:
law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter6/section20-107.3/
loudoun.gov/114/Juvenile-Domestic-Relations-District-Cou
